Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

I see the attractions of the PPS approach as it offers a unique number which can be cross-checked. However, a system of cross-checking would have to be built into that to ensure efficiency when the registration system is in operation. Local authorities would have to be able to counter-check names against PPS numbers, and that is not as simple as it would appear. It is not rocket science if the linkage and the IT access are there but it raises a number of issues.

As Deputy Cuffe said, one of the problems we have is that the register is closed at a specific date which is arbitrarily established. As a poll observer in South and Central America, I have seen polls operated by the Organisation of American States, and registration took place up to a very short time before the election. One of the big problems at the moment is that there is a cut-off point. I know the supplementary register has been introduced but it is not used as well as it could be.

These are issues which we should all discuss because there is a problem in this regard and, irrespective of who was in government, we never addressed it. We have all known for years that problems exist with the register and now is the time to address it. I am willing to discuss it with Members of the House and to take on board reasonable suggestions. I do not think the situation on the PPS is quite as simple, as Deputy Cuffe suggests, although it has many attractions.

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